Arabic version: رئيس الوزراء يعبر عن تعازيه لجندي المظلات المتوفي

Warrant Officer Class Two Lachlan Muddle, a soldier with the Special Air Service Regiment, died during a training exercise on Monday. The 50-year-old paratrooper suffered fatal injuries following a collision with another soldier while both were parachuting at Jervis Bay Airfield on the NSW south coast, according to SBS News.

The incident occurred during a high-altitude training exercise for the Australian Defence Force’s parachute school. Major General Garth Gould confirmed that both soldiers had already opened their parachutes when the accident took place. The other soldier involved sustained minor injuries and was the first to provide assistance to Muddle.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences, calling the accident a tragedy and a reminder of the risks faced by those who serve. “Our hearts go out to his army family and the broader defence community,” Albanese stated. Defence Minister Richard Marles also paid tribute to Muddle, describing him as one of the ADF’s “finest”.

In response to the incident, all parachute operations have been paused across Australia while investigations are conducted. The Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) NSW extended its condolences, noting that training accidents highlight the ongoing risks faced by servicemen and women.

This incident marks the first parachuting death since March 2024, when Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon died during a training exercise. Despite the tragic events, Major General Gould expressed confidence in the safety procedures for parachute training, stating they are fit for purpose.